Woman who was convicted as teen for killing her sex trafficker pardoned by Gov. Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has pardoned a victim of teen sex trafficking who spent nearly two decades in prison after she killed her abuser and pimp.

Sara Kruzan, 44, was 16 when she shot George G. Howard, 36, as he tried to sexually assault her at a motel in Riverside.

Kruzan, who has since become a national advocate for prison reform, was sex-trafficked by Howard for years, starting at age 13.

Efforts to have her conviction reduced and her freedom regained drew petitions and demonstrations organized in her name. Supporters included actresses Demi Moore and Mira Sorvino.

In Kruzan's pardon, issued by Newsom on Friday, the governor wrote she has "transformed her life and dedicated herself to community service. This act of clemency for Ms. Kruzan does not minimize or forgive her conduct or the harm it caused. It does recognize the work she has done since to transform herself."

In 1994, Kruzan shot Howard through the neck. She stole his $1,500 cash and sports car and left him dying on the floor of the motel room.

In 1995, at age 17, she was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole after being convicted of first-degree murder, according to Newsom’s pardon.

Five years later, in December 2010, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commuted Kruzan’s sentence to 25 years to life, the pardon reads.

In 2013, Kruzan was resentenced to 15 years to life for second-degree murder plus a four-year firearm enhancement, a total term of 19 years to life. She was released after serving 18 years in prison.

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In his pardon, Newsom wrote she "has provided evidence that she is living an upright life and has demonstrated her fitness for restoration of civic rights and responsibilities."

According to a release from the governor's office, Kruzan’s pardon was among 17 Newsom announced Friday, along with 15 commutations and one medical reprieve. While in office, Newsom has granted 129 pardons, 123 commutations and 35 reprieves.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California Gov. Newsom pardons Sara Kruzan, who killed sex trafficker